theaussieword.com special interview with Half Moon Run.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
As a band, it began in Montreal in about 2010. A Craigslist ad was involved. It certainly wasn’t the music industry that we were drawn to, it was the music. In fact, in the early days, there was truly no “industry” about it at all, as we just wrote and jammed together without even playing in front of anyone for a year or more. We often reminisce about those days.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Our instincts, our self-respect, other great artists, each other.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
To be able to continue to grow and make meaningful music for as long as we’re able to. To avoid coasting on past successes, and to stay honest. It would also be great if we could continue to make a living at it.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Definitely. 2020 will be a year full of touring for us, to dozens of countries all over the world. We hope to be able to stay prolific in terms of creative output as well.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
Sometimes we force ourselves to get into the same room and hack away until we have something, and sometimes things seem to drop down from the sky.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
Perhaps.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I don’t think there is a secret to success, or if there is, I don’t know what it is. Certainly diligent hard work, humility, and good communication seem to be things that don’t hurt. And talent.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
There’s been a few – we sung “Pale Blue Eyes” on stage in NYC with Lou Reed before he died, and that’s certainly right up there. Another would be performing with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Frankly, most of them are dead or close enough.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Always… but, you know, sometimes talking about a baby idea prematurely kills it.
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Hm, I don’t really see how the first part of the question is related to the second part. I’m 29 years old, and I hope to have children in the next couple of years. I also hope to keep making music. I’ve considered trying something in the film industry as well.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Sometimes, in blessed moments, we have experiences while writing and on stage that I would describe as transcendent. Other times, while on tour, the loneliness and lack of control can cause a really feeling of despair.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Tame Impala, Parcels, and many actors and filmmakers.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
Oh, this is something we have been talking about A LOT lately, because it’s very true that the industry landscape has change dramatically in the past 5-10 years. Since it’s such a transitionary time, I suppose it’ll be easier to evaluate a few years from now. Right now, we’re just hanging on and doing our best to keep our heads on straight, hoping that we don’t misuse all these new platforms and technologies too badly.
How do you plan on cracking the international market?
We try to control the elements that we have the most relevant control over: the music, the live show, and (for better or for worse) our social platforms. If all else fails, we may fake the death of a band member and see if that sparks up some attention.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
It’s a nice idea, but we’ve rarely had meaningful collaborations with other artists, unfortunately. We’re always open to it in the future, it seems like a good way for us to expand.
What advice do you give for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
You are: what you do on a daily basis over long periods of time.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your fans?
Through the music I suppose. Or you can find us online.
Any last words?
Don’t get the salad at the diner.